Galatians 3:17-24

English Standard Version

¹⁷ This is what I mean: the law, which came ^(A)430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as ^(B)to make the promise void. ¹⁸ For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but ^(C)God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

¹⁹ Why then the law? ^(D)It was added because of transgressions, ^(E)until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was ^(F)put in place through angels ^(G)by an intermediary. ²⁰ Now ^(H)an intermediary implies more than one, but ^(I)God is one.

²¹ Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For ^(J)if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. ²² But the Scripture ^(K)imprisoned everything under sin, so that ^(L)the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given ^(M)to those who believe.

²³ Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, ^(N)imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. ²⁴ So then, ^(O)the law was our ^(P)guardian until Christ came, ^(Q)in order that we might be justified by faith.